Plant managers’ were briefed on workplace violence and of transportation survey details at the Plant Managers Roundtable.
When local managers plan their day, they worry about many things—costs, productivity, administrative issues, and more. It’s safe to say most aren’t thinking about losing their life, or the life of a valued employee, to workplace violence. Yet statistics tell us workplace violence is a growing concern and one managers must be prepared to face.
For example,
o In 2023, there were 100 workplace fatalities in Kentucky; among those 12 were homicides.
o Nationwide, there were 458 workplace fatalities due to homicide in 2023.
To help local managers prepare, Graves County Economic Development (GCED) invited Mayfield Police Department (MPD) and the Graves County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) to brief attendees on workplace violence during the bi-monthly Plant Managers Roundtable meeting held June 26 at the Purchase Area Development District (PADD) office in Mayfield.
GCSO Det. Tony Cornwell and MPD Sgt. Brandon Collins reviewed the FBI’s “Active Shooter Event” reference guide, which focuses on the three options available to employees confronted by an active shooter—run, hide, or fight. The guide provides tips for each option as well as guidance on what to expect when first responders arrive. They also presented an FBI video titled, Run, Hide, Fight, that includes more detail.
Graves County Sheriff Jon Hayden reminded Roundtable guests that our region has already experienced two school shootings, first at Heath High School and later at Marshall County High School, both of which he responded to. “Don’t think it can’t happen here,” said Sheriff Hayden.
Both MPD and GCSO encouraged businesses to develop plans for how to respond in the event of workplace violence and to consider training for their employees.
Next on the agenda was Jon Young, Transportation Planner for the PADD who shared information about the Major Freight Users (MFU) and Major Traffic Generators (MTG) inventory. This is a statewide inventory effort led by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and coordinated regionally through PADD. Participation in the inventory is important because it helps inform the Kentucky Freight Plan, identify key freight corridors, support traffic modeling, and guides infrastructure improvements.
Specifically, the inventory is seeking input from businesses that
Move high volumes of freight (e.g., 100+ trucks/day, large distribution facilities, 5+ active bays),
Or generate significant daily traffic (e.g., 100+ vehicle trips/day from factories, schools, truck stops, etc.).
Anyone with questions about the inventory should contact Jon Young at 270.251.6126.
“Your input helps make sure your facility’s needs are heard in Frankfort and that we prioritize the right transportation investments,” said GCED President Jason Lemle.
The next Plant Manager’s Roundtable is scheduled for August. For information, contact GCED at 270.247.0626
Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. There are 44 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.
